Chapter Careers in Physical Education C H A P T E R

Alternative School Settings Private or charter schools –Different demands: Often have higher entry requirements and are less tolerant of misbehavior –Different emphases: Private may have a religious affiliation or institute prayer Charters may emphasize music, the arts, or medicine –May have physical education facility and equipment issues (continued)

Alternative School Settings (continued) Alternative schools –Accommodate students who are at risk Troubled youth (arrest records, behavior issues) Many students have additional personal issues –May have PE facility and equipment issues –Teacher’s role: Help students enhance self-esteem and develop positive social skills (continued)

Alternative School Settings (continued) Night or summer school –PE class periods are usually longer (three hours or longer) Teachers need to be well prepared –Students may be challenging Students repeating PE for credit Students with less-than-favorable attitudes toward PE –Students may be supplementing night school with daytime jobs (continued)

Alternative School Settings (continued) Substitute teaching –Pros A way to get your foot in the door Freedom to work: you can accept or decline appointments –Cons No health or retirement benefits Behavior management issues (baby-sitting) (continued)

Alternative School Settings (continued) Coaching (nonteaching faculty or staff) –Private schools may hire head coaches – Public schools often hire assistant coaches –Need to meet coaching requirements (first aid, CPR, coaching certifications) –Need to pass a background check –May need to supplement with another job (continued)

Alternative School Settings (continued) Adapted physical education teacher –Positions may be limited –May find employment as a resource teacher for the school –APENS offers a CAPE certification (certified in adapted physical education) (continued)

Alternative School Settings (continued) Athletic director –May or may not need to be a member of the staff or faculty –May need additional certifications ASEP (American Sport Education Program) National Federation of Interscholastic Coaches Certification CAA (certified athletic administrator) Previous coaching experience (continued)

Alternative School Settings (continued) Possible duties of an athletic director –Schedule athletic contests and transportation –Maintain facilities, manage events, and ensure safety –Purchase equipment and uniforms –Assess the athletic program and coaching performances –Document athlete eligibility –Enforce coaching requirements (CPR, first aid, etc.)

Other Career Avenues Fitness-related positions –YMCA –Girls and Boys Clubs –Fitness centers (may require training certifications) ACE (American Council on Exercise) CSCS (strength and conditioning specialist) (continued)

Other Career Avenues (continued) Safety-related positions –Adult education and safety programs (American Red Cross: CPR, AED, first aid classes) –Aquatics positions (require any number of certifications) WSI (water safety instructor) LGI (lifeguard instructor) LGIT (lifeguard training instructor) (continued)

Other Career Avenues (continued) Ellis certification (often needed to work in water parks and flat-water parks) CPO (certified pool operator; certification needed to manage a pool facility)

Graduate School Master’s degree –Offers further studies in the same field –Extends studies into a different field –Opens up coaching possibilities at the college level –Opens up teacher-coach possibilities at the junior college or community college level (continued)

Master’s Degree (continued) –Full time, two years –Some offer graduate assistantships (coaching, research, teaching) Many assistantships offer tuition waivers and stipends –Part time (take one or two evening classes a semester) –Online programs are available

Summary If you cannot immediately find a traditional teaching position, there are other possibilities to consider in the meantime. If the teaching job market is questionable at present, consider pursuing other certifications while still in school (e.g., ACE, CSCS, instructor training certifications, aquatics certifications).